The top female cyclists were taking part in stage one of their race which ends in Bedale later this afternoon.

They were also having a trial run of the a circuit which will be the centre of the UCI Road World Championships for nine days in September.

Talking to two members of the crowd in Harrogate, local residents Debbie Gibson and Anne-Marie MacPherson, they said: said: “Good to see such a great turnout for the ladies race in Harrogate, not sure if Lizzie was leading but we hope she was!"

The women's first stage was won eventually by 20-year-old Lorena Wiebes from the Netherlands, edging out the Brits in an exciting finish in Bedale.